![]() ![]() The pleasing pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations focus on the characters’ body language and show a simple, nonthreatening natural world made of rocks, trees and clear skies. ![]() When Panda gives Squirrel a “big bear hug,” for instance, Squirrel is moved, in more ways than one: “You’re squashing me! I won’t be much of a friend if I’m squashed.” The captivating text, ideal for reading aloud, can seem too earnest at times, but touches of humor save the day. The two misunderstand and bicker with each other, as many good friends in the real world do. Originally published in Dutch as two volumes, and translated by David Colmer, it chronicles nine mini-adventures of a panda named Panda and a squirrel named Squirrel. The characters are amiably odd-looking, and their changing facial expressions effectively reveal their personalities.Īnother animal friendship that would be unlikely in the real world but is completely believable in a storybook is presented in THE MOON IS A BALL (Gecko, 76 pp., $19.99, ages 5 to 8), written by Ed Franck and illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing. ![]() Collier’s drawings are at the same time stylish and cartoony, with a limited palette composed primarily of bright yellow, magenta and pale blue. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |